Oak Hill Hospital has announced its Star Associates of the Month of February. Each month hospital associates are chosen in a process that involves nominations and voting by their peers, patients, patient...

Diagnosis of Chlamydia

Diagnosis of chlamydia often relies on screening tests since most people have no symptoms. Screening tests are used on high-risk groups of people who show no signs or symptoms of infection. This is done to maximize early diagnosis and treatment of
sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs).

Your doctor may also suspect chlamydia based on your symptoms (if you have them).

Testing can be done on fluid from a swab from the penis, cervix, throat, or rectum, or with a urine test. The fluid is often tested with nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). This test can also diagnose
gonorrhea
.

If you think you have been exposed to chlamydia, it may make you feel anxious or embarrassed to seek care from your doctor. Home test kits are widely available, but they are not as accurate as testing at your doctor's office, which can lead to a missed diagnosis. If you choose to use a test kit, it is important to follow-up with your doctor, regardless of the results. In the long run, it's best to have a doctor you feel comfortable with, so you can seek help when you need it.

If you are concerned about the cost of testing or currently don't have a doctor available, search for local community health or family planning centers that may offer testing services. Some testing services may be available for free.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.